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The political document presented by Gagan Kumar Thapa at the Nepali Congress Special General Convention proposes a far-reaching transformation of the country’s political landscape and national politics. It reviews the prevailing political situation and introduces new ideas to address existing challenges. The document is likely to trigger a nationwide debate on several key issues. View on the GenZ movement The document has taken ownership of the Sept 8–9 GenZ movement. It states: “The youth-led movement has brought Nepali politics to a distinct and challenging turning point. From the perspective of our party, the political situation before and after the GenZ movement is entirely different.” The rebellion is described as an outburst of public frustration against repeatedly failed leadership, the erosion of credibility in public institutions, and systemic problems such as misgovernance and corruption. The document further states: “We were the largest party in the parliament that was dissolved by this movement, and we were also a stakeholder in the deposed government. When the rebellion erupted addressing public grievances, we must acknowledge the reality—while repeatedly assuring the general public—that, in one way or another, we were involved in these issues and failed to intervene in time to prevent these anomalies.” According to the document, the GenZ rebellion should be understood as a movement for fundamental transformation, demanding economic development, meaningful opportunities for youth, good governance, and government accountability. At its core, the document argues, the GenZ rebellion was about change: changes in policies, methods and practices, thinking and mindset, and certain leadership roles. As the largest party in Parliament and part of the government targeted by the movement, the need for internal reform within the Nepali Congress became evident. The document notes: “Recognizing this, party members at all levels raised their voices for transformation. As calls for change grew stronger at the grassroots level, there was concern at the center that we had reached a point where decisive action had become difficult.” Previously, following the GenZ movement, the party leadership had not fully taken ownership of the uprising. The document reaffirms the party’s commitment to political reform, good governance, and youth participation in the wake of the GenZ movement, which it describes as a historic political awakening. It expresses deep sorrow over the tragic incidents during the protests and pays tribute to those who lost their lives. Thapa has pledged that acts of repression and violence during the protests, along with serious human rights violations, will be independently and impartially investigated. A government commission is currently conducting an inquiry. The document emphasizes that truth and justice must be established and legal action taken against those responsible. Recognizing the political awakening of the youth as a vital societal force, it commits to institutionalizing meaningful youth participation at all levels of party organization and state governance. “The call for fundamental transformation expressed by the youth is the living political capital of our society,” the document states, adding that policy-level and structural arrangements will be implemented to ensure decisive youth representation. The NC establishment and other parties, particularly the CPN-UML, do not agree with Thapa’s position on the GenZ movement. Good governance and anti-corruption The document highlights that the core demands of the rebellion are closely linked to corruption control, transparency, and good governance. It calls for a multiparty national dialogue to address these demands and institutionalize reforms reflecting citizens’ aspirations. The party pledges to: Engage all stakeholders to build consensus on good governance without violating constitutional principles Lead multiparty dialogue to create a shared national understanding and ensure result-oriented reforms Strengthen the independence of constitutional bodies, regulatory authorities, and public institutions Depoliticize universities, public agencies, and service delivery organizations while ensuring merit-based functioning and inclusive representation Simplify administrative procedures, strengthen institutional capacity, and enforce financial discipline Promote transparency, accountability, and citizen-responsive governance Reclaiming NC’s leadership The document emphasizes reclaiming the Nepali Congress’s leadership in national politics. At critical moments in history, it states, the party has taken decisive decisions and forged a distinct identity. At its founding, the party voiced public aspirations for freedom, civic supremacy, human rights, liberation from the Rana regime, and democracy. In 1990, restoring people’s rights and establishing a multiparty system were its core objectives. Following the 2006 movement, the party played a decisive role in resolving issues of democracy, republicanism, federalism, and inclusiveness through a democratic constitution. The document acknowledges all major political documents since 1950, including the recent GenZ movement. Politics grounded in principles Ahead of upcoming elections, the document reiterates its commitment to politics based on core values: integrity, democracy, and public service. It stresses that principles will take precedence over power and rejects pre-election alliances that compromise its ideals. Over the past three decades, the party has endured setbacks, exile, and violent challenges while upholding its principles. Even when electoral outcomes were manipulated, it accepted results without compromising integrity. The party acknowledges recent challenges in maintaining its commitment in a polarized and populist political climate but reaffirms that it will never compromise democratic values, national integrity, sovereignty, or the rule of law. Reform of state mechanisms The document acknowledges long-standing criticism of state institutions over the past three decades, particularly excessive political influence that has weakened their functioning. It calls for an overhaul of state mechanisms and proposes reforms, including to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Corruption is identified as the root cause of Nepal’s political, administrative, and economic challenges. The party pledges to strengthen the rule of law, ensure accountability, and reinforce anti-corruption mechanisms through measures such as: Ensuring independence of constitutional bodies, including the CIAA and the Auditor General Appointing officials based on competence, integrity, and proportional representation Mandating asset declarations by ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials Protecting state institutions, universities, and public offices from partisan interference Improving public service delivery The party proposes reforms to make public service delivery citizen-centered, transparent, and result-oriented. These include fixed service timelines, accountability for delays, reduced red tape, and expanded e-governance. Rejecting office-centered administrative thinking, the document emphasizes citizen-focused services. Integrated service centers will replace fragmented systems, allowing citizens to access multiple services—such as registration, licensing, taxation, social security, and health—through single physical or digital platforms. Digital connectivity will be expanded to enable home-based service delivery. Public servants’ competence and integrity are highlighted as essential. Salaries will reflect market value, and training will focus on efficiency, communication, and modern administrative practices. The number of ministries at federal and provincial levels will be reviewed and rationalized, and an umbrella law will strengthen federalism and clarify intergovernmental authority. Democratic reforms within political parties The document acknowledges persistent problems such as weak intra-party democracy and leadership stagnation. It argues that democracy requires continuous participation, accountability, and inclusiveness, not just periodic elections. Proposed measures include: Electing all leaders—from ward level to central leadership—through democratic processes Conducting timely and transparent internal elections in all party-affiliated bodies Ensuring representation of women, Madhesis, minorities, persons with disabilities, youth, and marginalized communities Institutionalizing internal democracy through competitive elections and gender-balanced candidacies Introducing digital, transparent candidate evaluation systems based on competence and integrity The document also proposes tenure limits for executive positions and a one-time proportional representation rule to broaden leadership opportunities. Reform of the electoral system The document supports reforms to make Nepal’s electoral system more inclusive, stable, and accountable. It proposes reviewing constitutional provisions, introducing reserved constituencies and “Single Rotation Reserved Constituencies,” guaranteeing voting rights for Nepalis abroad, and institutionalizing “Right to Reject (No Vote).” Primary elections, state funding based on vote weight, and strict financial accountability are also proposed. Limiting the term of the Prime Minister Reflecting public sentiment, especially among youth, the document proposes a two-term limit for the Prime Minister. Currently, neither party statutes nor the Constitution impose such limits. The Nepali Congress pledges to lead efforts to incorporate this provision, noting that the same leaders have dominated the premiership since 1990. Political influence on constitutional bodies and public institutions The document criticizes excessive politicization of constitutional bodies and public institutions, which it says has undermined credibility and institutional integrity. It proposes policy- and law-based appointments, open applications, public oversight, and transparent selection processes. A “cooling-off period” is proposed to prevent immediate post-retirement appointments to constitutional bodies. Legal protections will also be introduced to shield officials from political pressure and penalize partisan interference. Foreign policy On foreign policy, Thapa reaffirms commitment to national interest, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and balanced diplomacy. Nepal will strengthen ties with India and China based on equality and mutual benefit while diversifying global partnerships to support development and economic growth.